Genesis 3:4
Genesis 3:4 in Multiple Translations
“You will not surely die,” the serpent told her.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
And the snake said, Death will not certainly come to you:
“You certainly won't die,” the serpent told Eve.
Then the serpent said to the woman, Ye shall not die at all,
And the serpent saith unto the woman, 'Dying, ye do not die,
The serpent said to the woman, “You won’t really die,
And the serpent said to the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
And the serpent said to the woman: No, you shall not die the death.
The snake said to the woman, “No, you will certainly not die. God said that
The snake said to the woman, “You will not die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 3:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 3:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
הַ/נָּחָ֖שׁ
אֶל
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֑ה
לֹֽא
מ֖וֹת
תְּמֻתֽוּ/ן
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/נָּחָ֖שׁ
nâchâsh
H5175
serpent
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֑ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
מ֖וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
תְּמֻתֽוּ/ן
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 3:4
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/נָּחָ֖שׁ
nâchâsh
H5175
"serpent"
Art | N-ms
A serpent is a snake, often symbolizing evil, as in Genesis 3:1 where the serpent tempts Eve. It can also represent danger or harm.
Definition: 1) serpent, snake 1a) serpent 1b) image (of serpent) 1c) fleeing serpent (mythological)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: serpent. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 58:5; Psalms 140:4.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֑ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מ֖וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
תְּמֻתֽוּ/ן
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 3:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 3:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 3:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:4
- Sermons on Genesis 3:4
Context — The Serpent’s Deception
2The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden,
3but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’”
4“You will not surely die,” the serpent told the woman.
5“For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 8:44 | You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 11:3 | I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 2:14 | And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 2:11 | in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. |
| 5 | Genesis 3:13 | Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied, “and I ate.” |
| 6 | 2 Kings 1:16 | And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says: Is there really no God in Israel for you to inquire of His word? Is that why you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 1:6 | They replied, “A man came up to meet us and said, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him that this is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending these men to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 29:19 | because when such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself, saying, ‘I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my own heart.’ This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 8:10 | Elisha answered, “Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But the LORD has shown me that in fact he will die.” |
| 10 | 2 Kings 1:4 | Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed. |
Genesis 3:4 Summary
In Genesis 3:4, the serpent tells the woman that she will not surely die if she eats the forbidden fruit, which is a direct contradiction of God's warning in Genesis 2:17. This lie is meant to deceive the woman and lead her to disobey God's command. We can learn from this verse that the enemy of God often uses deceit and misrepresentation of God's word to lead people astray, and that we must trust in God's word above all else (as seen in Psalm 119:105). By trusting in God's word, we can avoid the dangers of deception and disobedience, and instead walk in obedience to God's commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the serpent trying to accomplish by telling the woman she will not surely die?
The serpent is attempting to deceive the woman and lead her to disobey God's command, as seen in Genesis 3:4, by directly contradicting God's warning in Genesis 2:17.
Is the serpent's statement a direct lie or a half-truth?
The serpent's statement is a direct lie, as God had indeed said that eating the fruit would result in death, as recorded in Genesis 2:17, and this lie is meant to undermine the woman's trust in God's word.
How does this verse relate to the larger theme of sin and deception in the Bible?
This verse sets the stage for the biblical theme of sin and deception, as seen in verses like Genesis 3:13 and 1 Timothy 2:14, where the enemy of God seeks to deceive humanity and lead them away from obedience to God.
What can we learn from the serpent's method of deception in this verse?
We can learn that the enemy of God often uses deceit and misrepresentation of God's word to lead people astray, as seen in Genesis 3:4 and 2 Corinthians 11:3, and that we must be careful to trust in God's word above all else.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tempted to doubt God's word or promises in my own life, and how can I stand firm against such temptations?
- How does the serpent's lie in this verse relate to the ways that I may be deceived by the world or my own desires?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's word and promises, even when it is difficult or counterintuitive?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's word and a greater awareness of the enemy's tactics of deception in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:4
And the serpent said unto the woman,.... In reply to her answer: ye shall not surely die; in direct contradiction to the divine threatening, and which he would insinuate was a mere threatening, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:4
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: Ye shall not surely die.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:4
It is not so certain as you imagine, that you shall die. God did say so indeed for your terror, and to keep you in awe; or, he had some mystical meaning in those words; but do not entertain such hard and unworthy thoughts of that God who is infinitely kind and gracious, that he will, for such a trifle as the eating of a little fruit, undo you and all your posterity, and so suddenly destroy the most excellent work of his own hands.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:4
Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:Ver. 4. Ye shall not surely die.] He saith not, Dying ye shall not die, or, Surely ye shall not die; this had been too plain a contradiction to that word of God that had threatened assured death; but, Ye shall not die in dying; that is, It is not certain ye shall die. And this latter is more nice and ambiguous. She seems to doubt of the certainty of what God had said. He plainly and cleanly impugns it: whereas had God’ s word abidden in her, she had overcome that wicked one. The word is compared to mustard seed, which being mixed with vinegar, is, they say, a sovereign medicine against serpents.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 3:4
Verse 4. Ye shall not surely die] Here the father of lies at once appears; and appears too in flatly contradicting the assertion of God. The tempter, through the nachash, insinuates the impossibility of her dying, as if he had said, God has created thee immortal, thy death therefore is impossible; and God knows this, for as thou livest by the tree of life, so shalt thou get increase of wisdom by the tree of knowledge.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:4
4. Ye shall not surely die] The words are very emphatic, “by no means shall ye die.” The serpent directly contradicts the statement of the penalty of death, and thus craftily removes the cause for fear, before dwelling upon the advantages to be obtained from defiance of the Divine decree.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:4
4. Ye shall not surely die — A direct and malicious contradiction of God’s word as given in Genesis 2:17. Here the devil is revealed as Satan, the adversary, “a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44.
Sermons on Genesis 3:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Gospel According to Oprah by Erwin Lutzer | This sermon exposes the lie of the divinity of man, tracing it back to the Garden of Eden where Satan deceived Adam and Eve with the promise that they could be like God. The sermon |
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God Loves Teenagers by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of resisting the lies of the devil, which lead to sin and long-term consequences. It highlights the need to fight against temptations, especia |
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Pride and Strife by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of understanding and experiencing the love of Christ. He emphasizes the need to share this love with others as witnesses |
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The Truth or the Lie by John Murray | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the purpose of Jesus coming into the world, which is to bear witness to the truth. Jesus came to accomplish the redemptive work of God and to |
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The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-12 True Discipleship by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of faith and its role in understanding the creation of the world. He emphasizes that faith is necessary to believe in the record t |
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Satan's Tactics by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the origins of sin in the human race as described in Genesis 3, highlighting the tactics of Satan to deceive by questioning God's word and love. It emphasiz |
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The Terror of the Lord by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the duality of God's nature, highlighting that while He is rich in mercy, He is equally terrible in wrath. The sermon underscores the importance of |